<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"[]>
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en">
    <head>
        <!--
        Created by Artisteer v3.1.0.48375
        Base template (without user's data) checked by http://validator.w3.org : "This page is valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional"
        -->
        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />
        <title>Heritage and Cultural</title>



        <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css" type="text/css" media="screen" />
        <!--[if IE 6]><link rel="stylesheet" href="style.ie6.css" type="text/css" media="screen" /><![endif]-->
        <!--[if IE 7]><link rel="stylesheet" href="style.ie7.css" type="text/css" media="screen" /><![endif]-->
        <link rel="shortcut icon" href="favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" />
        <script type="text/javascript" src="jquery.js"></script>
        <script type="text/javascript" src="script.js"></script>

    </head>
    <body>
        <div id="art-main">
            <div class="cleared reset-box"></div>
            <div class="art-box art-sheet">
                <div class="art-box-body art-sheet-body">
                    <div class="art-header">
                         <div class="art-headerobject"></div>
                        <iframe src="slideshow/index.html" width="800" height="300" scrolling="no"></iframe>
                        <div class="art-logo">                        
                            <h2 class="art-logo-text">We are here to take you to your Dream Destination</h2>
                        </div>

                    </div>
                    <div class="cleared reset-box"></div>
                    <div class="art-bar art-nav">
                        <div class="art-nav-outer">
                            <ul class="art-hmenu">
                                <li>
                                    <a href="./index.php">Home</a>
                                </li>	
                                <li>
                                    <a href="./find-a-tour.html">Find A Tour</a>
                                </li>	
                                <li>
                                    <a href="./plan-your-trip.html">Plan Your Trip</a>
                                </li>	
                                <li>
                                    <a href="./ride-with-us.html">Ride With Us</a>
                                </li>	
                                <li>
                                    <a href="./contact-us.html">Contact Us</a>
                                </li>	
                            </ul>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                    <div class="cleared reset-box"></div>
                    <div class="art-layout-wrapper">
                        <div class="art-content-layout">
                            <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                <div class="art-layout-cell art-content">
                                    <div class="art-box art-post">
                                        <div class="art-box-body art-post-body">
                                            <div class="art-post-inner art-article">
                                                <h2 class="art-postheader">Heritage and Cultural
                                                </h2>
                                                <div class="art-postcontent">
                                                    <div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 100%;">
                                                                <p><img width="760" height="200" alt="" src="./images/historical_heritage.jpg" /><br /></p>
                                                            </div>
                                                        </div>
                                                    </div>
                                                    <div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 100%;">
                                                                <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sri Lanka is a country in south Asia, which boasts of a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2500 years. This had been enriched by much other culture, especially from India. Many a kingdom that was established in ancient Sri Lanka, along with various cultural influxes from India has influenced in shaping the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Inarguably the factor, which has played the lead part in contributing to the culture along with everything traditional, is the presence of Buddhism. Ancient rulers of Sri Lanka built monuments established institutions to honor the philosophy of Buddhism. In turn this led to lesser folks following the principles advocated by Buddhism en masse. This could be described as a way of life, a pattern of thinking, which led to a self-sufficient society that engaged in agriculture as the means of living. To support agriculture an advanced irrigation system was constructed. These people pursued matters aesthetic such as dancing, music, painting, sculpting and literature in spare time. This led to the development of quaint traditional customs that are so peculiar to Sri Lanka. The concept of "Wewai Dagobai" (Wewai = Reservoir, Dagobai = A Buddhist shrine) arose from the above, establishing the links between Buddhism, culture and irrigation. Detailed description would follow soon.</span><br /></p>
                                                            </div>
                                                        </div>
                                                    </div>
                                                    <div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 33%;">
                                                                <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="250" height="156" alt="" src="./images/kuttum_pokun_250.jpg" /><br /></p>
                                                            </div><div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 67%;">
                                                                <p>Cultural Triangle Twin Ponds Sri Lanka’s richest archaeological heritage sites which remind the great civilization of 2500 year old are in the cultural triangle. It is situated in the center of the island covering the world heritage sacred cities such as Anuradhapura, ancient city of Plonnaruwa and Sigiriya. These sites are treated with high universal values which are visited by local travelers and tourists from all around the world. Plan your next holiday in Sri Lanka, <br /></p>
                                                            </div>
                                                        </div>
                                                    </div>
                                                    <div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 67%;">
                                                                <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sacred City of Anuradhapura</span></p>

                                                                <p>Anuradhapura was once a very wealthy monastic city which created a unique culture and a great civilization. British explores discovered this lost city in 19th century. May years of excavation until today has restored most of the ancient cites and access to them.<br /></p>
                                                            </div><div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 33%;">
                                                                <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="150" height="100" alt="" src="./images/aukana_stature_new.jpg" /><br /></p>
                                                            </div>
                                                        </div>
                                                    </div>
                                                    <div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 33%;">
                                                                <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="150" height="100" alt="" src="./images/royal_palace_polonnaruwa.jpg" /><br /></p>
                                                            </div><div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 67%;">
                                                                <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Polonnaruwa</span></p>

                                                                <p>Polonnaruwa is located 216 km from Colombo and it was the capital of Sri Lanka from 1017 A.D to 1235 A.D.<br /></p>
                                                            </div>
                                                        </div>
                                                    </div>
                                                    <div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 67%;">
                                                                <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Citadel Of Sigiriya</span></p>

                                                                <p>Sigiriya is a magnificent archeological site locates in central Sri Lanka built by King Kasyapa in 477 ~ 495 AD and it’s a popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Visible for miles in all directions 600 feet rock stands high above the surrounding plain with magnificent complex gardens, pools and fountains. Path through the gardens along Stone stairways come to the Lon Gate which is now degenerate to massive pair of brick paws. Only the paws remain from the huge head of a lion. Half way up to the rock along the iron staircase is the mirror wall and its frescoes beautifully drawn Maidens still seen today. Theses paintings would have covered most of the western face of the rock. However many more have been wiped out.<br /></p>
                                                            </div><div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 33%;">
                                                                <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="150" height="100" alt="" src="./images/sigiriya_150.jpg" style="margin-top: 30px;" /><br /></p>
                                                            </div>
                                                        </div>
                                                    </div>
<div class="art-content-layout">
                                                        <div class="art-content-layout-row">
                                                            <div class="art-layout-cell" style="width: 100%;">
                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Dalada Maligawa</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Kandy’s main attraction is the Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th c. A.D., the sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for its rulers and always enshrined in great splendour. Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, moat, turrets, golden roof and fine wood-work and its 16th – 19th century ambience vividly alive. Three religious services (pooja) with traditional music, held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening, can be viewed by visitors</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Kelaniya Temple</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">This temple, consecrated during the third and final visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment, is situated 7 miles from Colombo in Gampaha District on the banks of the Kelaniya River. Its history goes back nearly 2,563 years. The Mahawansa records that the original Dagoba at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, also incidents from the Jataka tales. lt is the venue of the annual Duruthu Perahera held in the month of January.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Adam’s Peak</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">It is believed that Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka placed his footprint on the summit of this sacred mountain. So, the name Sri Pada the sacred footprint. This mountain is also known as Samantakuta, Sumanakuta, Samanalakanda, Samanhela, Samangira, Medumhelaya etc. The Christians call the mountain Adam's Peak, derived from the Portuguese Pico de Adam (Peak of Adam). It is 7,360 feet in height and is the forth highest mountain in the country and has several approaches, the main ones being through the Hatton town and Ratnapura District. Annually, from December to April, devotees climb the mountain to pay obeisance.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Dambulla Vihara</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Located north of Kandy and considered by most to be the center point of SriLanka, Dambulla is a town built around a vast isolated rock mass 500 ft and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It was here that King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. The view from the top of this rock is breathtaking 350 ft. above are a series of five caves which was later turned into a magnificent rock temple by King Valagambahu.In the first cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47 ft, long , cut out from the rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism. The frescoes on the walls and ceiling could be dated to the 15th - 18th centuries. In the second cave, the finest and the largest , are not less than 150 life size statues of gods. There are numerous images of the Buddha as well. The ceiling too is covered with frescoes which depict great events in the life of the Buddha , and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala People.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Sigiriya Rock</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">The history of Sigiriya dates back to over 5000 thousand years, to the Mesolithic period. One of SriLanka’s major attractions and a World Heritage Site, Sigiriya(Lion Rock) came into prominence in the 5th centaury AD, when the patricidal King Kasyapa, afraid of reprisals led by his half - brother, Mogolan, chose to move the seat of power from Anuradhapura to this 500m rock. It was Kasyapa and his master-builders who were responsible for the complex plan which made Sigiriya the glorious capital it was, for 17 years (477 – 495 AD). The frescoes of the ‘ heavenly maidens ‘ halfway up the rock in a sheltered gallery, are the only painted renderings of a secular subject in this country.The ‘ mirror wall ‘, which records the poetic outpourings of early visitors to the rock and the colossal plan of the royal palace, water gardens and fortifications, is entirely fascinating.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Mahinyangana Maha Seya</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">This Cetiya (stupa) was built during the lifetime of Lord Buddha enshrining the lock of hair given by Him to God Saman on the occasion of His first visit to Sri Lanka, nine months after attaining enlightenment. It is the first ever stupa to be constructed in Sri Lanka.It was enlarged by Arhat Sarabhu to a Cetiya 12 cubits high after receiving and enshrining the collar bone relic of the Buddha taken from the funeral pyre. The son of King Devanampiyatissa's brother, for greater protection, covered it over and made it thirty cubits high. King Dutugemunu -(161-137 BC). Dwelling there, while fighting the invading forces of the Tamils, enlarged it to eighty cubits high. It was subsequently rebuilt by Vijayabahu 1 (1055-1110 CE) and restored again during modern times.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Ruwanveli Seya</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Situated in Mahamega Gardens. Built in the second century B.C by King Dutugamunu. It is 100 metres tall, 77 metres wide, 300 ft in diameter.Originally the shupa was designed in a " Bubble " shape . Sadly different restorations of the Thupa have changed its shape. The Great Sthupa cost the King 6.4 million coins in wages. The construction was commenced on a full moon day in May 144 B.C. The foundation was made of butter-clay, imported from India, which was used as cement. Further four small Stupas are tobe seen in the 0four corners in order to give more respect. Entering the shupa , you come across a sand court yard from which rises the Elephant wall.Walking around the stupa you see a life size statue of a king, believed to be King Dutugamunu. Further you see an Inscription done by King Nissankamalla in the platform. King Dutugamunu fell sick with a sickness that was to be mortal, He sent for his younger brother Saddhatissa to complete its work. So King Dutugamunu had his wish fulfilled as he lay dying, and the stupa was later finished by King Saddhatissa.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Gal Vihara</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and built in the 12th century A.D by the great King Parakramabahu the 1st. It is a group of Buddha images that probably mark the high point of Sinhalese rock carving.The Gal Viharaya consists of four seperate images of different postures carved and cut from one long slab of granite.First is a samadhi image in meditation posture, while the second is inside a cave and the third is a standing Buddha image which is 23 ft in height and the forth is a recumbent Buddha image measuring 46 feet, depicting the passing away.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Wewurukannala Vihara</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">15 miles east of Matara is the town of Dikwella, where there is one of the most amazing Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Wewurukannala Vihara temple is dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 - 1798). The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 250 years old; however this is of no particular interest. The next part has life size models of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. If you don't follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Punishments include being drowned in boiling cauldrons, sawn in half, disemboweled and so on. Finally there is the enormous seated Buddha that is as high as an eight-storied building.The temple walls show you the path towards enlightenment by depicting hundreds of comic strip representations of events in the Buddha's life. Among one of the episodes is the Chulla Dhammapala Jataka. It tells the story of how King Maha Prathapa of Varanasi on entering the palace found the queen cuddling her seven month old child. After ignoring him the King was left insulted so ordered that the prince be executed and the body be thrown into the air. Several Jataka Stories are also amid the paintings, which where selected for Vesak stamps in 1991. One depicts The Kattahari Jataka showing Prince Kastavahana, son of King Brahmadatta resting with his entourage.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Buduruwagala Rock Sculptures</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Located 5kms south of Wellawaya a side road branches west off the road to Tissa to the rock cut Buddha figures of Buduruwagala.Buduruwagala means stone images of Buddha.The figures dates back to 10th century AD, and are of the Mahayana Buddhist school.The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted.The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, who is thought to be his consort, Tara. The three figures on the Buddha’s left appear to an inexpert eye to be of a rather different style. One of them is holding up the hourglass shaped Tibetan thunderbolt symbol known as a dorje – an unusual example of the Tantric side of Buddhism in SriLanka.One of them is said to be Maitreya, the figure Buddha , while another is Vishnu.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Kataragama Devalaya</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">One of Sri Lanka’s holy places where Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims visit on religious pilgrimage. It is a large Complex with the `Mahadewala’ – Main Hindu shrine being the most important place. This Shrine of God Skanda, the Hindu war God who is worshipped as the Kataragama Deviyo is venerated by pilgrims of all three religions. It is believed that King Dutugemunu the warrior king and Sinhala folk hero built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. There is also a first century BC Buddhist Dagoba - `Kirivenhera’ at this site. The annual Hindu Kataragama festival is held in July and August.</p>

                                                                <p> </p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">Tirukoneswaram Kovil</p>

                                                                <p class="MsoNormal">At the northeastern most tip of the Fort Frederick's promontory is a cliff known as Swami Rock, dropping about 360 feet directly into the sea. On its topmost pinnacle is the Tirukonesvaram Kovil , destroyed by the Portuguese though the Kovil was restored and completed in 1963.Three ancient bronze images and a Shiva lingam, later found by divers at the bottom of the cliff beneath the temple , were installed for worship. Puja services are especially colorful at twilight on Fridays. Trincomalee may take its name from the site of this temple - perhaps from the Tamil words tiru kona malai , " mountain scared to Konesvara ( Shiva ).           </p>
                                                            </div>
                                                </div>
                                                <div class="cleared"></div>
                                            </div>

                                            <div class="cleared"></div>
                                        </div>
                                    </div>

                                    <div class="cleared"></div>
                                </div>
                            </div>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                    <div class="cleared"></div>

                    <div class="cleared"></div>
                </div>
            </div>
            <div class="art-footer">
                <div class="art-footer-body">
                    <div class="art-footer-center">
                        <div class="art-footer-wrapper">
                            <div class="art-footer-text">
                                <p>Copyright © 2012, KnightSofts Solutions. All Rights Reserved.</p>
                                <div class="cleared"></div>
                                <p class="art-page-footer"><a href="http://www.knightsofts.org" target="_blank">Website Template by <a href="www.knightsofts.org" target="_blank">KnightSofts Solutions</a>.</p>
                            </div>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                    <div class="cleared"></div>
                </div>
            </div>
            <div class="cleared"></div>
        </div>

    </body>
</html>
